This article will explain you the differences between Intel core i3 i5 i7 Processors. This new family of Intel processors has taken the market by storm.
And in case if you are in doubt which processor will best suite you, this article will help you decide what processor to choose, i3 or i5 or i7 for your desktop or laptop computer.
Intel has launched its new family of processors quite recently that has redefined all notions related to computing performance. This new family of processors consists of three classes - core i3, core i5 and core i7.
While the Intel core i3 series has been made to cater to the entry level desktop and laptop computer market, the core i5 series is aimed at the mid level computing segment. The core i7 series is stuffed with high performance processors that can serve the high end market. Every series of processors comes with a lot of variety, in terms of processing speed and features.
What set these new processor lines, developed by Intel, to be miles ahead of its closest competitors are the new technologies developed by Intel to boost performance. The synergy between mult-core processors achieved in Intel core i3, i5 and i7 is what sets them ahead of the rest of the pack.
Technical Features of Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 Processors
Let us have a look at the technical points of difference between i3, i5, i7 processors. Let's start with the entry level processor line released in January 2010.
All the core i3 processors have twin core with clocking frequency ranging from 2.933 GHz to 3.2 GHz. A 4MB L3 smart cache, 2 x 256 KB L2 cache and Direct Media Interface bus, fitted with the brand new LGA 1156 socket, makes them the best entry level processors. All these chips are built on a 32 nm architecture which ensures that more transistors can be etched on the silicon chips. An integrated GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) makes graphic processing even more faster. With Intel's hyper-threading and virtualization technology enabled, along with HD graphics, these chips are priced below the $133 point.
As the i3 i5 i7 comparison chart on the Intel web site reveals, core i5 line consists of three separate series of processors with twin and quad cores. The twin, as well as quad cores come with 4 threads each.
The clocking frequencies of these processors range from 2.4 GHz to 3.33 GHz, powered by the Intel TurboBoost technology that boosts clocking frequencies to higher levels when needed.
With 4 MB to 8 MB L3 cache, direct media interface, integrated GPU, LGA 1156 socket, Intel HD graphics, Intel smart cache technology and Hyper-threading enabled, the cost of these processors ranges from $176 to $256. And never forget the point that, i5 chips are faster than the i3 chips. They form the mid level segment.
With the core i7 line, Intel has fulfilled its dream of creating the 'best processors on the planet'. Intel core i7 is miles ahead of the rest of the pack. This line consists of quad core processors with clocking frequencies reaching 3.33 GHz powered by Intel TurboBoost. As a quad core is better than dual core. And the greater number of cores can immensely boost computing speeds.
With L3 smart cache ranging from 8MB to as much as 12 MB, Intel QuickPath Interconnect technology (that can enhance data transfer speed to 25.6 GB/Sec), integrated GPU, Hyper-threading and Intel HD graphics, the core i7 series processors are indeed, unarguably, the best processors ever manufactured. They are meant for high end computing applications, web servers and high end business users. The price of these processors ranges from $200 to as much as $1000.
Difference Between i3, i5 and i7 Processors Based On Performance
Besides being multicore, what makes the i3, i5, i7 processors to be computing power houses, is the hyper-threading technology, combined with the TurboBoost feature.
An integrated GPU and an enhanced L3 cache makes graphic processing super fast. The i3 processors surpass the computing power offered by the earlier core 2 duo series. If you are eying an entry level laptop computer, go for the core i3 line. It is great for home use desktop computers too.
If you are a business user, I suggest that you go for the core i5 line, that can handle multitasking even better than the i3 line. With hyper-threading enabled and Intel's range of innovative technologies fully operational, the core i5 line is ideal for the business user or home users, who are into intensive gaming.
If you want to settle for nothing less than the very best in computing today, go for the high end core i7 line. As you must have realized while going through the core i3 i5 i7 comparison, the i7 line puts phenomenal computing power at your fingertips that was available once only to users of supercomputers! Budget wise, they may be the costliest out of the whole lot, but they offer true value for your money.
Hope this straightforward core i3 i5 i7 comparison has cleared out any doubts in your mind about these new Intel chips. This article is based on research on i3 i5 i7 benchmark tests.